TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — As part of its broader initiative to promote smart, sustainable, and resilient communities, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) aims to ensure that all Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cagayan Valley have approved Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) by 2028.
Regional Director Grace A. De Vera announced this goal under the department’s PLANDO (Plan and Do) program, which is designed to streamline and digitalize land use, urban planning, and development processes.
The program focuses on creating smart, green, resilient, and inclusive human settlements, providing a digital framework for land use reports and planning.
“Additionally, it includes an inventory of government lands suitable for housing, aligned with the agency’s 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino) program,” De Vera added.
De Vera emphasized that lands identified as suitable for housing will be developed in coordination with the respective LGUs. Furthermore, the program offers technical assistance to LGUs to ensure zero backlog in CLUP approval.
She noted that 92 out of 93 LGUs in Cagayan Valley have approved their CLUPs. The only remaining LGU, Calayan, has yet to complete the process due to challenges such as a lack of personnel and the municipality’s geographical location.
However, De Vera expressed optimism that Calayan will soon finalize its CLUP, highlighting the municipality’s potential to attract investors and develop its tourism sector, positioning it as a future smart city.
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) requires all LGUs to have approved CLUPs by 2025 to avoid sanctions, so we are helping the LGUs and making this a top priority for DHSUD in the region,” said De Vera.
The PLANDO program is set to run for five years, focusing not only on CLUP approval but also on significant urban development projects. This includes new town development in Nagtipunan, Quirino, and land identification in compliance with Executive Order No. 34, series of 2023.
De Vera also highlighted that while many LGUs have approved CLUPs, some are nearing the end of their 10-year planning cycle and require updates. DHSUD continues to provide guidance and support for these updates, ensuring LGUs remain compliant and prepared for future development.
She clarified that any reclassification of agricultural land for other uses during the 10-year planning cycle must go through the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) or Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). However, reclassification cannot exceed a 15% threshold of agricultural land being converted to other uses, ensuring food security and sustainable development.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the program, De Vera emphasized the importance of having dedicated personnel to coordinate with relevant agencies, such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Population Commission, and other stakeholders involved in land use committees. Mapping and planning typically take around 18 months, underscoring the need for a focused and organized approach to land use.
Looking ahead, De Vera mentioned DHSUD’s upcoming township projects, which aim to build inclusive communities. These projects are set to begin next year in Nagtipunan, Quirino, pending further development plans and collaborations with LGUs and developers. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)
